Count using hieroglyphics

Learn how to write numbers in hieroglyphics

Through this activity students will learn what hieroglyphics are and how they were used by the ancient Egyptians. They will then discover how to write numbers in hieroglyphics and how to use them to carry out basic numeracy functions. This fun activity will test students’ maths abilities, as well as teach them historical facts about ancient Egypt. Resources are included to provide support for teachers.

Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity learners will discover how to write numbers in hieroglyphics. This could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about the works of the ancient Egyptians contributing to learning in D&T, History and Mathematics or as an alternative method of reinforcing learning in basic numeracy.

Additionally, this could be used to start a discussion on Ancient Egypt or to introduce the concept of people using different languages. It could also be used in conjunction with the other IET activities in this theme, ‘Making Papyrus’ and ‘Write like an Egyptian’.

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery.

Downloadable content
• Count using hieroglyphics activity
• Count using hieroglyphics presentation

Tools/resources required
• Paper
• Pens/pencils

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.